‘Matilda: The Musical’ Lands 12 Tony Award Nominations

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 29: Cast of 'Matilda' performs onstage at the 2013 Actors Fund's Annual Gala Honoring Robert De Niro at The New York Marriott Marquis on April 29, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)Cast of 'Matilda' performs onstage at the 2013 Actors Fund's Annual Gala Honoring Robert De Niro at The New York Marriott Marquis on April 29, 2013. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — The Cyndi Lauper-scored “Kinky Boots” has earned a leading 13 Tony Award nominations, with the British import “Matilda: The Musical” close behind with 12.

The show opened in early April to wide praise (except for a few grinches). In a weak musical year, it may be the best Broadway has to offer. And two great pop icons like Lauper and Fierstein are sure to attract Tony voters.

“Matilda: The Musical” is a witty musical adaptation of the novel by Roald Dahl and is true to his bleak vision of childhood as a savage battleground.

The nominations were announced Tuesday in a televised event co-hosted by Tony winner Sutton Foster and “Modern Family” star Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

The awards will be broadcast on CBS from Radio City Music Hall on June 9.